Intraocular lenses having closed-loop ring haptic structures

ABSTRACT

An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and a periphery and a closed-loop ring haptic structure coupled with the optic. The closed loop haptic structure includes a first ring structure having a first characteristic length, a second ring structure having a second characteristic length, and a plurality of connectors coupling the first ring structure and the second ring structure. The first ring structure is positioned adjacent to the periphery of the optic and is coupled to the entire periphery of the optic, and the first characteristic length is less than the second characteristic length.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/144,570, filed on Sep. 27, 2018 and claims thebenefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/564,001 titled “INTRAOCULAR LENSES HAVING CLOSED-LOOP RING HAPTICSTRUCTURES,” filed on Sep. 27, 2017, whose inventors are Stephen JohnCollins, Douglas Brent Wensrich, Michael Lee Mangum, Jian Liu, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety as though fully andcompletely set forth herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally ophthalmic lenses and, moreparticularly, to intraocular lenses having closed-loop ring hapticstructures.

BACKGROUND

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) may be implanted in patients' eyes to replacea patient's natural lens. An IOL typically includes (1) an optic thatcorrects the patient's vision (e.g., typically via refraction ordiffraction), and (2) haptics that constitute support structures thathold the optic in place within the patient's eye (e.g., within capsularbag). In general, a physician selects an IOL for which the optic has theappropriate corrective characteristics for the patient. Duringophthalmic surgery, often performed for conditions such as cataracts,the surgeon implants selected IOL by making an incision in the capsularbag of the patient's eye (a capsulorhexis) and inserting the IOL throughthe incision. Typically, the IOL is folded for insertion into thecapsular bag via a corneal incision and unfolded once in place withinthe capsular bag. During unfolding, the haptics may expand such that asmall section of each bears on the capsular bag, retaining the IOL inplace.

Although existing IOLs may function acceptably well in many patients,they also have certain shortcomings. For example, existing IOL designmay include haptics that cause striae, or folds, in the posteriorcapsular bag. Such striae may result from the haptics having arelatively small angle of contact with the capsular bag. Because striaemay negatively impact patient outcomes (e.g., by resulting in increasedposterior capsular opacification (PCO) by providing a mechanism for thegrowth and/or migration of cells), haptic designs that reduce striae aredesirable. Moreover, such designs should also have a volume andfoldability conducive to maintaining acceptably small incision sizes(e.g., 3 mm or less) as larger incision may adversely affect thepatient's recovery.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved IOL that may address PCO(e.g., by reducing striae) without significantly complicatingimplantation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An ophthalmic device includes an optic including an optic axis and aperiphery and a closed-loop ring haptic structure coupled with theoptic. The closed loop haptic structure includes a first ring structurehaving a first characteristic length, a second ring structure having asecond characteristic length, and a plurality of connectors coupling thefirst ring structure and the second ring structure. The first ringstructure is positioned adjacent to the periphery of the optic and iscoupled to the entire periphery of the optic, and the firstcharacteristic length is less than the second characteristic length.

In certain embodiments, the closed-loop haptic structure describedherein may result in fewer striae and reduced PCO, yet may be relativelyeasily implanted. Consequently, performance of the ophthalmic device maybe improved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and theadvantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptiontaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which likereference numerals indicate like features and wherein:

FIGS. 1A-1B depict various views of an exemplary embodiment of anophthalmic device having a closed-loop haptic structure;

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a closed-loop ring haptic structure;

FIGS. 3A-3B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a closed-loop ring haptic structure;

FIGS. 4A-4B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a closed-loop ring haptic structure;

FIGS. 5A-5B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic devicehaving a closed-loop ring haptic structure;

FIGS. 6A-6B depict various views of another exemplary embodiment of anophthalmic device having a closed-loop ring haptic structure;

FIGS. 7A-7B depict various views of another exemplary embodiment of anophthalmic device having a closed-loop ring haptic structure; and

FIGS. 8A-8B depict various views of another exemplary embodiment of anophthalmic device having a closed-loop ring haptic structure.

The skilled person in the art will understand that the drawings,described below, are for illustration purposes only. The drawings arenot intended to limit the scope of the applicant's disclosure in anyway.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The exemplary embodiments relate to ophthalmic devices such asintraocular lenses (IOLs). The following description is presented toenable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventionand is provided in the context of a patent application and itsrequirements. Various modifications to the exemplary embodiments and thegeneric principles and features described herein will be readilyapparent. Phrases such as “exemplary embodiment”, “one embodiment” and“another embodiment” may refer to the same or different embodiments aswell as to multiple embodiments. The embodiments will be described withrespect to systems and/or devices having certain components. However,the systems and/or devices may include more or less components thanthose shown, and variations in the arrangement and type of thecomponents may be made without departing from the scope of theinvention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited tothe embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistentwith the principles and features described herein.

In general, the present disclosure relates to an ophthalmic deviceincluding an optic including an optic axis and a periphery and aclosed-loop ring haptic structure coupled with the optic. The closedloop haptic structure includes a first ring structure having a firstcharacteristic length, a second ring structure having a secondcharacteristic length, and a plurality of connectors coupling the firstring structure and the second ring structure. The first ring structureis positioned adjacent to the periphery of the optic and is coupled tothe entire periphery of the optic, and the first characteristic lengthis less than the second characteristic length.

FIGS. 1A-1B depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100Ahaving an optic 110 and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120A. Forsimplicity, the ophthalmic device 100A is also referred to as an IOL100A. FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of the IOL 100A, while FIG. 1B depictsa side view of the IOL 100A. For clarity, FIGS. 1A-1B are not to scaleand not all components may be shown. In some embodiments, the hapticstructure 120A and optic 110 are a single a monolithic structure. Insuch embodiments, the closed-loop haptic structure 120A and the optic110 may be molded together. Thus, the optic 110 and haptic 120A may forma single monolithic structure. In other embodiments, the closed-loopring haptic structure 120A and the optic 110 may be formed separatelyand may be bonded or otherwise affixed together. In such embodiments,the closed-loop ring haptic structure 120A and optic 110 may be formedof the same or different material(s).

The optic 110 is an ophthalmic lens 110 that may be used to correct apatient's vision. For example, the optic may be a refractive and/ordiffractive lens. The optic 110 may be a monofocal lens, multifocal lensand/or a toric lens. The anterior and/or posterior surface of the optic110 may thus have features including but not limited to a base curvatureand diffraction grating(s). The optic 110 may refract and/or diffractlight to correct the patient's vision. The optic 110 has an optic axis112 that is out of the plane of the page but shown as a circle in FIG.1A. The optic 110 is depicted as having a circular footprint in the planview of FIG. 1A. In other embodiments, the optic 110 may have adifferently shaped footprint. In some embodiments, the optic 110 mayalso include other features that are not shown. The optic 110 may beformed of one or more of a variety of flexible optical materials. Forexample, the optic 110 may include but is not limited to one or more ofsilicone, a hydrogel and an acrylic such as AcrySof®.

The closed-loop ring haptic structure 120A is a support structure usedto hold the ophthalmic device 100A in place in the capsular bag of apatient's eye (not explicitly shown). The closed-loop haptic structure120A includes a first (inner) ring 122A, a second (outer) ring 124A andconnectors 126A-1, 126A-2, 126A-3 and 126A-4 (collectively 126A).Connectors 126A are struts that connect the first ring 122A with thesecond ring 124A. The first ring 122A is adjacent to the periphery ofthe optic 110. In some embodiments, the first ring 122A adjoins theoptic 110. The first ring 122A may be desired to match the shape of theoptic 110. Thus, the first ring 122A is shown as a circle having asingle characteristic length: the diameter (or radius). In otherembodiments, the first ring 122A may have a different shape.

The second ring 124A retains the IOL 100A in position in the patient'seye by contacting the capsular bag. In the embodiment shown, the secondring 124A is a circle and thus has a single characteristic length: theradius (or diameter) of the ring 124A. In other embodiments, the secondring 124A may have a different shape and thus multiple characteristiclengths. The second ring 124A contacts the capsular bag around theentire periphery of the ring 124A. Stated differently, the contact anglesubtended by the second ring 124A is three hundred and sixty degrees. Asa result, the capsular bag may thus be extended over a large volume,stretching the capsular bag over a larger region than would be the casefor an IOL having open loop haptics. This may reduce striae and,therefore, the incidence of PCO.

As can also be seen in FIG. 1B, the closed-loop ring haptic structure120A includes sharp corners. More specifically, both the first (inner)ring 122A and the second (outer) ring 124A may have sharp corners. As aresult, the optic 110 may be surrounded on the sides by sharp edges.These sharp edges may also reduce the probability of cells migrating tothe optic 110 from any side, thereby further reducing the incidence ofPCO.

Use of the IOL 100A may improve patient outcomes. The second ring 124Aallows the closed-loop ring haptic structure 120A to contact a largerportion of and better extend the capsular bag as compared to IOL havingalternative haptic designs (e.g., open loop haptics). This may not onlyimprove the axial and rotational stability of the IOL 100A, but alsoreduce the formation of striae (wrinkles) in the capsular bag. Thethree-hundred-and-sixty-degree angle of contact with the capsular bagmay thus reduce the incidence of PCO. Sharp edges for the closed-loophaptic structure 120A may further reduce PCO. Thus, performance of theIOL 100A may be improved.

FIG. 2 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100Bhaving an optic 110 and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120B. Forsimplicity, the ophthalmic device 100B is also referred to as an IOL100B. The IOL 100B is analogous to the IOL 100A. Consequently, analogouscomponents have similar labels. Thus, the IOL 100B includes an optic 110and closed-loop ring haptic structure 120B that are analogous to theoptic 110 and closed-loop ring haptic structure 120A. Because optic 110of IOL 100B is substantially the same as the optic 110 of IOL 100A, theoptic 110 of IOL 100B will not be separately described with regard toFIG. 2. For clarity, FIG. 2 is not to scale and not all components maybe shown.

Like the closed loop haptic structure 120A of IOL 100A, the closed-loophaptic structure 120B of IOL 100B may include a first (inner) ring 122B,a second (outer) ring 124B, and connectors 126B-1, 126B-2, 126B-3 and126B-4 (collectively 126B).

The primary difference between IOL 100B and IOL 100A (described above)is that, in IOL 100B, connectors 126B are curved. In other words, eachof the connectors 126B has a component in the radial direction toconnect the rings 122B and 124B and a component perpendicular to theradial direction (i.e. in an angular direction around the circle).

For substantially the same reasons as discussed above with regard to IOL100A, IOL 100B may improve patient outcomes by reducing incidence ofPCO. Additionally, when the second ring 124B is under compression, thecurved connectors 126B may be more likely to bend along the curvessubstantially in the plane of the closed-loop ring haptic 120B. Movementof the optic 110 and/or closed-loop ring haptic structure 120B towardthe anterior or posterior of the eye due to compression may be reduced,thereby improving refractive outcomes.

FIGS. 3A-3B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device100C having an optic 110 and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120C.For simplicity, the ophthalmic device 100C is also referred to as an IOL100C. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the IOL 100C, while FIG. 3B is a sideview of the IOL 100C. The IOL 100C is analogous to the IOLs 100A.Consequently, analogous components have similar labels. Thus, the IOL100C includes an optic 110 and closed-loop ring haptic structure 120Cthat are analogous to the optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structures120A. Because optic 110 of IOL 100C is substantially the same as theoptic 110 of IOL 100A, the optic 110 of IOL 100C will not be separatelydescribed with regard to FIG. 3A-3B. For clarity, FIGS. 3A and 3B arenot to scale and not all components may be shown.

Like the closed loop haptic structure 120A of IOL 100A, the closed-loophaptic structure 120C of IOL 100C may include a first (inner) ring 122C,a second (outer) ring 124C, and connectors 126C (of which only one islabeled).

The primary differences between IOL 100C and IOL 100A (described above)are as follows. First, the second ring 124C has a wavy periphery and,therefore, multiple characteristic lengths. Although a particular shapeis depicted, the present disclosure contemplates that the second ring124C may have a different shape and other multiple or singlecharacteristic lengths. Second, the first ring 122C may be significantlywider than the ring 122A. In order to ensure that the IOL 100C is stillsufficiently compressible, apertures 123C may be been formed in thefirst ring 122C. Third, the connectors 126C may be the contact pointsbetween the first and second rings. In other embodiments, the connectors126C may be struts or other structures.

The second ring 124C may contact the capsular bag at least at theportions of the periphery of the ring 124C that are furthest from theoptical axis 112. Because these portions are oriented around the fullthree hundred and sixty degrees of the contact angle, the capsular bagis still extended in a similar manner as described above with regard toIOL 100A. Accordingly, IOL 100C may have similar benefits in reducingstriae and the incidence of PCO. In certain embodiments, the wavy shapeof outer ring 124C may improve the response of IOL 100C to compression,further improving performance.

FIGS. 4A-4B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device100D having an optic 110 and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120D.For simplicity, the ophthalmic device 100D is also referred to as an IOL100D. FIG. 4A is a plan view of the IOL 100D, while FIG. 4B is a sideview of the IOL 100D. The IOL 100D is analogous to the IOLs 100A.Consequently, analogous components have similar labels. Thus, the IOL100D includes an optic 110 and closed-loop ring haptic structure 120Dthat are analogous to the optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structures120A. Because optic 110 of IOL 100E is substantially the same as theoptic 110 of IOL 100A, the optic 110 of IOL 100D will not be separatelydescribed with regard to FIGS. 4A-4B. For clarity, FIGS. 4A and 4B arenot to scale and not all components may be shown.

Like the closed loop haptic structure 120A of IOL 100A, the closed-loophaptic structure 120D of IOL 100D may include a first (inner) ring 122D,a second (outer) ring 124D, and connectors collectively labeled 126D (ofwhich only one is labeled).

The primary differences between IOL 100D and IOL 100A (described above)is that, in IOL 100D, the connectors 126D include multiple ringstructures. In the embodiment shown, the connectors 126D include a firstring structure 126D-1 and a second ring structure 126D-2 (collectivelyconnectors 126D). The first and second ring structures 126D-1 and 126D-2collectively form multiple points of connection between first ring 122Dand second ring 124D. In the depicted embodiment, the first ringstructure 126D-1 may be viewed as a set of loops connected with thefirst ring 122D, while the second ring structure 126D-2 is a wavystructure analogous to the second ring 124C depicted in FIG. 3. In otherembodiments, a different number and/or type of ring structure may beused.

For substantially the same reasons as discussed above with regard to IOL100A, IOL 100D may improve patient outcomes by reducing incidence ofPCO. Additionally, forming connectors 126D from ring structures 126D-1and 126D-2 may improve the compressibility of the IOL 100D forimplantation, further improving performance.

FIGS. 5A-5B depict another exemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device100E having an optic 110 and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120E.For simplicity, the ophthalmic device 100E is also referred to as an IOL100E. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the IOL 100E, while FIG. 5B is aplan view of the IOL 100E. The IOL 100E is analogous to IOLs 100A.Consequently, analogous components have similar labels. Thus, the IOL100E includes an optic 110 and closed-loop ring haptic structure 120Ethat are analogous to the optic 110 and closed-loop haptic structure120A. Because optic 110 of IOL 100E is substantially the same as theoptic 110 of IOL 100A, the optic 110 of IOL 100E will not be separatelydescribed with regard to FIGS. 5A-5B. For clarity, FIGS. 5A and 5B arenot to scale and not all components may be shown.

Like the closed loop haptic structure 120A of IOL 100A, the closed-loophaptic structure 120E of IOL 100E may include a first (inner) ring 122E,a second (outer) ring 124E, and connectors 126E-1 and 126E-2(collectively labeled 126E).

The primary differences between IOL 100E and IOL 100A (described above)are as follows. First, the second ring 124E has a wavy periphery and,therefore, multiple characteristic lengths. Although a particular shapeis depicted, the present disclosure contemplates that the second ring124C may have a different shape and other multiple or singlecharacteristic lengths. Second, the second ring 124E may have athree-dimensional structure in which the thickness of the second ring124E along the optical axis 112 varies with radial position around theoptic 110. Third, the second ring 124E may have one or more apertures128E formed therein. For clarity, only a few of the apertures 128E arelabeled. The apertures 128E may allow the second ring 124E to be moreflexible for compression during delivery. For example, the second ring124E may be compressible in the axial (parallel to the optic axis) andradial (along a radius from the center of the ring 122E/124E)directions.

For substantially the same reasons as discussed above with regard to IOL100A, IOL 100E may improve patient outcomes by reducing incidence ofPCO. Additionally, the second ring 124E, having a three dimensionalstructure, may hold the capsular bag open in the radial direction aswell as providing a wider contact surface in the direction parallel tothe optic axis 112. Thus, the striae reduction and PCO preventionbenefits may be enhanced.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict plan and side views, respectively, of anotherexemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100F having an optic 110and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120F. For simplicity, theophthalmic device 100F is also referred to as an IOL 100F. The IOL 100Fis analogous to the IOL 100A. Consequently, analogous components havesimilar labels. Thus, the IOL 100F includes an optic 110 and closed-loopring haptic structure 120F that are analogous to the optic 110 andclosed-loop ring haptic structure 120A. Because optic 110 of IOL 100F issubstantially the same as the optic 110 of IOL 100A, the optic 110 ofIOL 100F will not be separately described with regard to FIG. 6A-6B. Forclarity, FIGS. 6A and 6B are not to scale and not all components may beshown.

Like the closed loop haptic structure 120A of IOL 100A, the closed-loophaptic structure 120F of IOL 100F may include a first (inner) ring 122F,a second (outer) ring 124F, and connectors 126F-1, 126F-2, 126F-3, and126F-4 (collectively labeled 126F).

The primary difference between IOL 100F and IOL 100A (described above)is that, in IOL 100F, the optic 110 and first ring 122F are located in afirst plane substantially perpendicular to the optical axis 112 whilethe second ring 124F is located in a second plane substantiallyperpendicular to the optical axis 112. In certain embodiments, the firstand second planes are spaced apart by at least one millimeter and notmore than five millimeters. In certain embodiments, the first and secondplanes are spaced apart by nominally four millimeters. In the depictedembodiment, the first plane is posterior of the second plane, but thatneed not be the case. Additionally, because connectors 126F connectcomponents located in different planes, the connectors 126H havecomponents extending in both the radial and axial directions.

For substantially the same reasons as discussed above with regard to IOL100A, IOL 100E may improve patient outcomes by reducing incidence ofPCO. Additionally, IOL 100F may stretch the capsular bag in the axialdirection as well the radial direction, which may improve stability and,as a result, refractive outcomes.

FIGS. 7A and 7B depict plan and side views, respectively, of anotherexemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100G having an optic 110and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120G. For simplicity, theophthalmic device 100G is also referred to as an IOL 100G. IOL 100G issubstantially similar to IOL 100F except that connectors 126G arecurved. In other words, each of the connectors 126G has a component inthe axial direction, a component in the radial direction to connect therings 122G and 124G, and a component perpendicular to the radialdirection (i.e. in an angular direction around the circle). IOL 100G mayimprove patient outcomes for substantially the same reasons as discussedabove with regard to IOL 100F.

FIGS. 8A and 8B depict plan and side views, respectively, of anotherexemplary embodiment of an ophthalmic device 100H having an optic 110and a closed-loop ring haptic structure 120H. For simplicity, theophthalmic device 100H is also referred to as an IOL 100H. IOL 100H issubstantially similar to IOL 100F except that connectors 126H have abend between the first ring 122H and the second ring 124H. IOL 100H mayimprove patient outcomes for substantially the same reasons as discussedabove with regard to IOL 100F. Additionally, the connectors 126H may bemore likely to flex at the bend in response to compression, makingmovement of the optic 110 and/or closed-loop ring haptic structure 120Hmore predictable. As a result, refractive outcomes may be furtherimproved.

It will be appreciated that various of the above-disclosed and otherfeatures and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirablycombined into many other different devices or applications. It will alsobe appreciated that various presently unforeseen or unanticipatedalternatives, modifications, variations or improvements therein may besubsequently made by those skilled in the art which alternatives,variations and improvements are also intended to be encompassed by thefollowing claims.

1. An ophthalmic device comprising: an optic including an optic axis;and a closed-loop ring haptic structure coupled with the optic andincluding a first ring having a first characteristic length, a secondring having a second characteristic length, and a plurality ofconnectors coupling the first ring and the second ring, wherein: theoptic and the first ring are located in a first plane that issubstantially perpendicular to the optical axis; and the second ring islocated in a second plane that is substantially perpendicular to theoptical axis.
 2. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the firstplane is posterior to the second plane.
 3. The ophthalmic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first plane is anterior to the second plane.
 4. Theophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the first plane and the secondplane are spaced apart along the optical axis between one millimeter andfive millimeters.
 5. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of connectors comprises a component extendingsubstantially parallel to the optical axis.
 6. The ophthalmic device ofclaim 1, wherein the first characteristic length of the first ring isless than the second characteristic length of the second ring.
 7. Theophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein the first ring is positionedadjacent to the periphery of the optic and is coupled to the entireperiphery of the optic.
 8. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, whereineach of the plurality of connectors extends in a substantially radialdirection.
 9. The ophthalmic device of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of connectors is curved such that each of the plurality ofconnectors includes a first component extending in a substantiallyradial direction and a component extending in a direction substantiallyperpendicular to the radial direction.
 10. The ophthalmic device ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of connectors has a bendbetween the first ring and the second ring, wherein the bend isconfigured to flex in response to compression of the ophthalmic device.